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Got a bad cough? As estimation, coughing is the top reason that people see a doctor with over 30 million visits annually. You are reading this article means you are looking for ways to handle your coughs, but your first step toward relief is finding out the underlying cause and considering your symptoms. The last step is to choose your best home remedies for bad cough. Now, let’s guide you through some basics about coughs!

What Is A Cough?

Cough may be a common health problem to all of us. Cough is defined as a natural response of our body to any irritation or it occurs when there is a blockage of your respiratory tract. Also known as tussis, a cough is a voluntary / involuntary act that clears the breathing passage and throat of foreign particles, irritants, microbes, mucus and fluids. Despite coughing could be a sign of a certain serious illness, oftentimes it will disappear on its own without the demand for medical attention.

Though coughs are common, there are some bad coughs to worry about:

Barking cough: It is coughing with the sounds like a barking seal over the sufferer’s body. He/she has to struggle to catch his/her breath.

Phlegmy cough: The cough sounds mucous, accompanied by a sore throat, a runny nose, a poor appetite and watery eyes.

Nighttime, dry cough: The cough is annoying, often lasts all winter long, and gets worse at night.

Miserable cough: The cough is associated with muscle aches, sniffles, and a high fever.

The gurgly, wheezy cough: The cough, lasts for a few days, has a whistling, raspy sound and is associated with fast, irritable breath.

The whoopy cough: This type features with over 20 times of coughing in one breath. Trouble breathing and strange whooping are between coughs.

The really gross cough: This cough is phlegm and wet, associated with fast breath, and often caused by pneumonia.

What Are Common Causes Of Bad Cough?

There are many reasons why you cough. It is so important to find out the root cause of your cough because an appropriate remedy will help you a lot in the treatment process.

Upon different types of cough, the causes are different, accordingly. Basically, there are two types of cough, including acute cough and chronic cough. An acute cough can be resulted by some issues, such as common cold, flu, laryngitis, being irritated or pneumonia. A chronic cough is caused by allergies, bronchitis, asthma, mucus dripping down the throat from the back to nose, GERD, some medications, and smoking, etc. Less common causes of chronic cough in adults are fungal infections of lungs, lung cancer, and tuberculosis.

What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Bad Cough?

The symptoms of cough are different upon types of cough. For example, if you get chronic cough, you will suffer from the following problems.

When To See A Doctor?

It is necessary to see a doctor if your cough has persisted for about 3 weeks without any improvement. Oftentimes, there will not be anything serious underlying the cough, yet sometimes, long term cough could be a warning sign of something more serious which needs treating, like heart failure or lung cancer.

If you are suffering from bad cough, it is time for you to take a look at our article “24 Home Remedies For Bad Cough In Babies, Toddlers And Adults”. We are sure that you will find some of suitable remedies for your cough. Take a look at TrueRemedies.com. However, keep in mind that you must go to see your doctor if your condition is severe.

Top 24 Effective Home Remedies For Bad Cough In Babies, Toddlers & Adults

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of best home remedies for bad cough, especially dry cough. It is called Curcuma longa in scientific term. It is considered as one of the most common natural ingredients for curing health issues. You may wonder why turmeric is so effective in reducing cough. The answer lies in the curcumin- one of the key compound in turmeric. Curcumin plays the role as a natural ingredient to fight inflammation as well as creates the strong power to combat against bacteria and viruses.

Here are some ways of applying this ingredient to treat bad cough:

Method 1:

Put a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a pot.

Also add the same amount of black pepper to the pot

Next, add some water to the pot.

Also add some sticks of cinnamon to it.

Boil the mixture for a few minutes.

Turn off the heat.

Allow the mixture to cool down.

Add some raw honey to the mixture before consuming it.

Do this process once every day.

Method 2:

Put a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a pot.

Also pour a teaspoon of carom seeds in the pot.

Then, add some water to it.

Turn on the heat to boil the mixture.

Turn off the heat when the water is the half left.

Let the mixture cool down naturally.

Pour some drops of raw honey to the mixture.

Enjoy the tea twice every day.

Method 3:

Wash some turmeric roots thoroughly with clean water.

Put them in an oven.

Roast them for a few minutes.

Remove them from the oven.

Grind them to form the smooth powder.

Pour the powder in a cup.

Add some raw honey.

Consume the mixture 2 times every day.

2. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Stay Hydrated

The upper respiratory tract infection such as a flu or cold often causes postnasal drip. Secretions will trickle down your throat, thereby irritating it and probably causing a cough. In such case, drinking enough water and taking fluids will help thin out mucus in postnasal drip. It also keeps your mucous membranes well moist. Particularly, it is beneficial in winter, when your house gets dry, which is also a cause of coughs.

3. Ginger

Ginger may the next one among home remedies for bad cougb that you should not miss out. It is because ginger is not only a cheap ingredient but also a so effective remedy for curing a variety of health conditions, including coughs. Ginger contains compounds, such as zingerone, shogaols and gingerols which help to reduce the annoying symptoms of bad cough quickly. In particularly, it gives a hand in clearing the blockage in your respiratory air passages and at the same time, moisturizing the esophagus to avoid irritation as well as itchy situation. Another benefit of ginger in curing cough is that it eases your throat and decreases the reflex which is the main cause for coughing.

The way how to prepare ginger for combating against bad cough is shown below:

Method 1:

Take a fresh ginger root.

Wash it carefully.

Chop them into thin slices.

Crush the slices.

Add them in a pot.

Add some water to the pot.

Boil the mixture.

Allow the mixture to cool down naturally.

Add some raw honey or some drops of lemon juice to the mixture.

Enjoy it thrice every day.

Method 2:

Simply clean a ginger root with water.

Chew it to alleviate your cough.

Apply this method thrice or 4 times every day.

Method 3:

Wash some ginger roots.

Chop them into thin slices.

Take 3 tablespoons of the chopped slices.

Put them in a pot.

Then, add a tablespoon of peppermint which is dried.

Also add some water to the pot.

Now, boil the mixture.

Reduce the heat to let the mixture simmer.

Remove the heat until the mixture is half left.

Allow the mixture to cool down naturally.

Pour the mixture in a glass.

Add some raw honey.

Shake the mixture well.

Tightly cover the glass.

Put it in a refrigerator.

Consume about a tablespoon of the mixture thrice every day.

Remove the remaining after 3 days.

Method 4:

Take a small amount of dry ginger powder.

Mix with the equivalent amount of black pepper.

Add some ground sugar to the mixture.

Mix them well.

Put a small amount of the mixture on your tongue.

4. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Lemon

Coughing sometimes annoys your sleep especially at night. To escape from this discomfort, you can utilize lemon and some raw honey. The mixture between lemon and honey help you to alleviate your sore throat as well as keep your respiratory tract hydrated, greatly contributing to the healing process. As we all know, lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is so effective in combating against infection and inflammation. So, why don’t you try this familiar fruit for treating your annoying cough?

It can be used in several ways for fighting coughs as below:

Method 1:

Take a lemon.

Squeeze it to get its juice.

Pout the juice in a cup.

Now, add about 2 tablespoons of raw honey to the cup.

Then, pour some warm water to the cup.

Mix them well.

Consume the drink several times every day.

Method 2:

Take three teaspoons of lemon juice.

Pour the juice in a cup.

Add one teaspoon of raw honey to the cup.

Then, add some cayenne pepper to it.

Mix all well.

Consume the mixture every day.

Method 3:

Take a lemon.

Wash it thoroughly.

Cut it into small and thin slices.

Put the slices in a jar.

Then, cover the slices with some honey.

Next, put some singer slices in a pan.

Add a small amount of thyme and some water.

Now, boil the mixture.

Remove the flame when it is half left.

Allow the mixture cool down naturally.

Strain the liquid and pour it in the jar filled with lemon slices.

Put the jar in a refrigerator for a few weeks.

Intake one tablespoon of the liquid thrice every day.

Method 4:

Take ½ teaspoon of raw honey.

Pour it in a cup.

Also add some drops of lemon juice.

Lastly, add a small amount of cinnamon powder to the cup.

Mix them well.

Consume the mixture 2 times every day.

5. Garlic

Containing the power to fight bacteria and microbes, garlic is another choice for you naturally. It has been used for treating respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, cough, etc. for a long time. Thanks to its bioactive chemicals contained in garlic, this familiar herb has strong anti-bacteria properties, eliminating the bacteria causing your cough. Additionally, alliin and allicin- called sulfur compounds has wonderful effect on combating against cough.

Method 1:

Take some cloves of garlic.

Put them in a pot.

Add some water to it.

Add a teaspoon of oregano to it.

Boil the mixture until the water boils.

Turn off the heat.

Let the mixture cool down.

Add some raw honey before drinking.

Consume the mixture once every day.

Method 2:

Take a clove of garlic.

Crush it.

Add some clove oil to the crushed garlic.

Then, add some raw honey to it.

Eat the mixture every day.

Method 3:

Take about 4 garlic cloves.

Mince them.

Put the minced ones in a pan.

Add a tablespoon of coconut oil.

Now, turn on the heat to boil the mixture.

Steep the mixture for half an hour.

Strain the oil.

Put the oil in a refrigerator for using gradually.

Consume a small amount twice every day.

Remove the remaining after 2 weeks.

6. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Onion

Onion can work well in reducing your cough. It is regarded as one of the powerful home remedies for cough. You know that onion consist of a number of the compounds called organosulfur, facilitating its ability to fight microbes and inflammation. More specifically, it helps to clear the mucus in your respiratory tract, recovering from cough. Plus, this vegetable gives a hand in limiting the growth of bacteria causing cough [3].

Simply following the steps below, you cannot bear this annoying situation any more:

Take a red onion.

Then, chop them into thin slices.

Put them in a blender to get its juice.

Add some honey to the juice.

Sip the mixture step by step.

Method 1:

Take an onion.

Put it in an oven.

Squeeze the juice.

Add the juice in a cup.

Add some comfrey to the cup.

Add the raw honey to it.

Mix all well.

Consume the mixture every day.

Method 2:

Take ½ teaspoon of the juice extracted from an onion.

Add a teaspoon of raw honey to the juice.

Swallow the mixture 2 times every day.

Method 3:

Peel a garlic clove.

Wash a ginger root and an onion.

Chop them into thin slices.

Arrange a layer of the slices in a jar.

Then, add some cane juice provided that it completely covers the slices.

Continue placing another layer and pour the cane juice on also.

Do this process until the jar is full with the slices.

Tightly cover the jar.

Let the mixture stay on for at least 4 hours.

Put the jar in a refrigerator.

Drink a tablespoon of the liquid thrice every day.

Remove the remaining after 4 months.

7. Cayenne

Having the same effect as hot milk, cayenne can give a hand in alleviating the chest pain caused by cough.

The guide below will show you how to utilize cayenne to cure your cough:

8. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Hot Milk

Enjoying a cup of hot milk mixed with a little honey also helps you to save yourselves from bad cough. It is a perfect solution to dry cough as well as can alleviate the chest pain due to too much coughing.

Method 1:

Prepare a hot glass of milk.

Add some raw honey to the glass.

Consume the milk before bedtime to reduce the mucus.

Method 2:

Take one tablespoon of curcumin powder.

Pour them in a glass.

Add some hot milk to the powder.

Mix the mixture well.

Consume the mixture 2 times every day.

9. Carrot Juice And Honey

It cannot be denying that carrots are rich in a number of vitamins as well as nutrients, including vitamin A, C, potassium, etc. Therefore, it can greatly contribute to reducing your cough quickly by strengthening your immune system to combat against the flu, cold, etc. causing cough. Furthermore, thanks to its expectorant property, carrot juice is listed as one of the wonderfully natural remedies for cough. It can help to expectorate the mucus, easing your cough. Whereas, honey is a favorite food because of it sweetness, it also contains plenty of vitamin, such as vitamin C, B-complex, enzymes, etc. That is the reason why the combination between the carrot juice and honey creates a wonderful remedy for treating cough.

Simply apply the method below:

Take about five carrots.

Wash them carefully.

Chop them into thin slices.

Then, put them in a blender to get the juice.

Pour them in a bowl.

Add some water to dilute the juice.

Also, add some raw honey to it.

Consume the mixture thrice every day.

10. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Salt Water Gargle

Traditionally, salt plays an important role in combating against infection, facilitating the healing process. It contains the power to fight infections as well as inflammation, gargling with salt solution is one of the best home remedies for bad cough. In addition, the salt water will help you to increase the pH level, limiting the survival of bacteria causing cough. You can buy salt solution available in every drugstore [4].

You can also prepare the salt solution by yourselves as below:

Take ½ teaspoon of salt.

Pour them in a glass.

Then add some warm water.

Shake the glass slightly to dissolve the salt completely.

Gargle with the solution a few times every day.

11. Steam Inhalation

Inhaling the steam may be one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for cough. This way works well for both dry and wet cough due to respiratory problems. The steam can help to make your infected airways moisturized, alleviating the inflammation. Plus, it can give a hand in clearing the mucus blocked in your respiratory airway. Another benefit of steam inhalation that you have to admit is that the steam makes a great contribution in clearing the congestion in your chest and nose.

Here are some ways of applying steam inhallation to combat against cough:

Method 1:

Simply pour some hot water in a large bowl.

Cover your head and the bowl with a clean towel.

Inhale the steam coming from the bowl for about 15 minutes.

Method 2:

Pour some hot water in a large bowl.

Add several drops of eucalyptus oil to the bowl.

Cover your head and the bowl with a clean towel.

Inhale the steam for about 15 minutes.

12. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Mullein Tea

It has commonly used as a good remedy for cough. It is because mullein has its strong power to combat against inflammation as well as microbes. More specifically, the leaves contain the saponins which play the role of natural detergents, clearing the mucus in your respiratory tract.

Here is the instruction on how to prepare this kind of natural tea for treating your cough:

Take 2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves.

Put them in a bowl.

Now, add some hot water to the bowl.

Allow them to steep for about half an hour.

Consume this kind of tea thrice every day.

13. Marshmallow Tea

The tea made from marshmallow roots can be a useful way for curing your cough. It can greatly contribute to clearing the mucus blocked on your respiratory tract as well as alleviating the inflammation due to cough.

All you need to do is:

Take some dried marshmallow roots.

Crush them.

Add them in a bowl.

Add some warm water to the bowl.

Leave them to be steeped overnight.

Strain the liquid on the next morning.

Add some raw honey to the liquid.

Consume the liquid.

14. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Aloe Vera

As you know, aloe vera is famous for dealing with inflammation. As to cough, this plant has a great effect on treating this health issue. Thanks to its power to combat against microbes, aloe vera can eliminate the cough caused by any allergy or the infection at your throat.

Here is all what you need to do:

Take an aloe vera leaf.

Cut a piece of two inch in length.

Let it open.

Extract its gel.

Consume the gel along with a little bit raw honey.

15. Pine

Consuming some kinds of syrup can help you a lot in this case. One of the syrup that you should try is pine syrup. You may be a little bit surprised at knowing that pine is another home remedy for your cough. Besides its decoration at Christmas, it works so well to reduce your annoying cough. You completely can prepare this syrup as one of the home remedies for bad cough as below:

Take ¼ cup of pine needles.

Put them in a pot.

Then add ½ cup of clean water to the pot.

Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes.

Next, strain the liquid.

Replace another amount of water in the pot.

Add some raw honey to the pot.

Boil the mixture again.

Remove the heat after boiling for 10 minutes.

Pour the achieved liquid in a cup.

Allow it to cool down naturally.

Intake about 2 teaspoons of the syrup every day.

Put it in a refrigerator for further usage.

16. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Grape Juice

The juice extracted from delicious grapes is one of the good home remedies for bad cough because this kind of juice acts as a natural expectorant, helping to loosen the mucus blocked in your respiratory tract. You will find it easier to breathe, accordingly [5].

Here is the instruction for using grape juice to combat against your bad cough:

Take about half a kilo of grapes.

Wash them carefully.

Remove their stems.

Put them in a juicer.

Juice them to get their juice.

Add some raw honey to the juice.

Intake the juice twice every day.

17. Take Steamy Showers

Having a hot bath or shower can help you loosen the secretions in nose. This steamy strategy could ease coughs from allergies and colds.

Alternatively, you can also use humidifiers to reduce symptoms of bad cough. In a dry environment, the nasal secretions could be uncomfortable and dried out. Thus, adding moisture back in the air will help your condition. But, remember to cleanse the humidifier to prevent pumping out mold and fungus into the air.

18. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Eliminate Irritants In The Air

Scented and perfumed bathroom sprays might be benign, but they could also trigger chronic sinus irritation, thereby producing additional mucus which causes chronic cough. Of course, the worst irritant is smoke. Smokers will finally develop “smoker’s cough”. People around the smokers might suffer from irritation caused by smoke. Therefore, it is best for smokers to quit smoking.

19. Peppermint

The leaves of peppermint possess healing property thanks to menthol compound. This compound can soothe your throat and act as a decongestant, thereby breaking down the mucus. Actually, peppermint oil is a powerhouse of medicinal benefits, including treating headaches, depression and cold symptoms including cough. People who are looking out for alternative home remedies for bad cough should take advantage of peppermint oil. In accordance with the University of Maryland Medical System, peppermint can soothes the sore throat associated with dry coughs.

However, you should use peppermint oil judiciously, because overdose is quite dangerous. Doctors often prescribe lozenges having 2-10 mg of peppermint oil or recommend patients to inhale 3-4 drops of oil mixed with 150 ml of hot water for 3 times per day.

Note: People with gallstones, acid reflux problems, and gastroesophageal reflux disease should not use peppermint oil in any forms because it may worsen their symptoms. Besides, pregnant and lactating women ought to avoid this product.

20. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Elderberry Syrup

Everybody in the family could enjoy elderberry syrup. It has been traditionally used for coughs, colds, and the flu. Researchers showed that elderberry can help stop coughs by stopping the root infections. Some people also use elderberry for allergi rhinitis (hay fever), cancer, constipation, etc [6].

Actually, elderberry may impact the immune system. It seems have activity against viruses including flu-causing viruses and may alleviate inflammation.

For safe use, take an elderberry juice extract by mouth for no more 12 weeks. Taking it for a long period of time is not safe. Besides, taking elderberry may not be safe in the form of stems, leaves, unripened fruit, or uncooked fruit. Cooked elderberry fruit may be safe, but unripe or raw one may cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

It is relatively simple and easy to make homemade elderberry syrup. Follow these guidelines:

Pour 3 ½ cups of water into a medium sized saucepan

Add 2/3 cup of dried elderberries and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into

Boil this mixture and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half

Strain this mixture and take the liquid

Allow it to cool down somehow

Pour 1 cup of raw organic honey into when the liquid is still warm

Pour the mixture in a glass covered by a lid and put in the fridge

Have 4 teaspoons of this syrup per day till you get good results

Notes:

Pregnant, lactating women ought to avoid this herb.

People with autoimmune diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus should not use elderberry as it might worsen their symptoms.

21. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can work effectively in breaking up congestion. Some of the most recommended essential oils for coughs are eucalyptus, rosemary, wintergreen, juniper, peppermint, etc.

Eucalyptus essential oil works as a great expectorant that helps to cleanse the body of microorganisms as well as toxins that cause your problem. Besides, it dilates the blood vessels and lets more oxygen go into the lungs. As a result, you will feel easier to breathe. The main component cineole in this essential oil has antimicrobial property, fighting against virus, fungi and bacteria [7].

To use this essential oil, you can diffuse 5 drops before bedtime. Or, apply it directly on your neck, chest to reduce symptoms of coughs. Alternatively, make a homemade vapor rub using coconut oil, olive oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, and beeswax. Do not use eucalyptus oil on children under 12 years old.

Rosemary: This oil has a relaxing effect on the tracheal smooth muscle, helping to alleviate cough. Similar to eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil has cineole and exhibits anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it works as a natural booster for the immune system [8]. You can diffuse about 5 drops of this oil or mix 2 drops with ½ teaspoon of coconut oil before rubbing over your chest. Do not use rosemary oil for children under 4 years old or pregnant women.

Lemon essential oil: It is famous for the immune-boosting property and able to support the lymphatic drainage, helping you relieve cold and cough rapidly. The antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon oil make it an excellent tool for combating respiratory conditions like coughs. It also improves blood flow and reduce swelling in the lymph nodes [9][10]. Simply add 1-2 drops of pure grade lemon oil to the warm water mixed with honey, then have it. Or, to kill bacteria and toxins in your home, add 20 drops of lemon oil to the spray bottle having water and vinegar to get a traditional cleaning favorite.

Oregano essential oil: The carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is suggested that thanks to antibacterial effects, oregano oil could be used as a natural antibiotic to deal with respiratory problems.

You just need to mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with the same amount of coconut oil, apply it over your chest, neck, back to relieve coughs.

Tea tree oil: It is used to treat colds, coughs and wounds. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, thereby helping to beat off bad bacteria leading to respiratory problems. Also, it displays antiviral effect and works as a natural disinfectant. The invigorating scent of this oil can clear congestion and relieve your respiratory symptoms [11]. You can diffuse about 5 drops of this oil and inhale from the bottle or mix it with ½ teaspoon of coconut oil prior to rubbing it over your chest. Do not use tea tree oil internally and avoid it during pregnancy.

22. Home Remedies For Bad Cough – Propolis

Propolis is a remarkable substance used by bees to help keep hives sterile. It helps protect their buds against fungus and bacteria; bees gather it to use in hive as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Even, you can put it into the vaporizer or diffuser to help clear your house of germs, mold, and pollutant.

23. Slippery Elm

Another great tip among home remedies for bad cough is slippery elm. This herb helps moisten and soothe your throat, thereby stopping coughs. Especially, slippery elm is perfect for tickly coughs associated with a dry throat. Extracted from the inner bark of slippery elm tree, this herb is also available in lozenge form. You could purchase the powder to make tea. Moreover, this herb can also assist in soothing and healing mucous membranes in the body, so it is also recommended for IBS. Being little sweet, slippery elm tea is traditionally made by mixing 1 tablespoon of slippery elm in a cup of hot water.

24. Probiotics

Being microorganisms, probiotics can offer a lot of health benefits. While they do not eliminate bad cough in direct ways, they help to balance the gastrointestinal flora, which are the bacteria living in the intestines.

As a result, it improves immune system function within the body. It is suggested that lactobacillus – the bacterium in dairy, could alleviate the risk of colds and flu as well as sensitivity to some types of allergens, like pollen.

You can make use of fortified milk as a good source of lactobacillus. Alternatively, consider eating plain yogurt to harness benefits of probiotics.

So, you have finished reading through our suggested home remedies for bad cough. Did we miss any home remedies for bad cough? Have you chosen your suitable remedy for your cough now among 24 home remedies for bad cough? Because of the simplicity of these remedies, you can completely apply them at home. However, it is a good idea for you to pay a visit to a specialized doctor for a better solution if your condition goes worse. If there are any concerns about the remedies mentioned in our article of “24 Home Remedies For Bad Cough In Babies, Toddlers & Adults” presented in Home Remedies Category. Your comments and ideas are always welcomed. We will try to give the feedback to you as soon as possible.

TRUEREMEDIES

TrueRemedies.com does not give any medical advice. The remedies, tips and tricks specified here are solely for the informational purpose. Consult your health care expert or doctor before trying any home remedies.